You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during muggy weather.

But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We review suggestions from energy experts so you can choose the best temperature for your family.

Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Huntingburg.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and outside temperatures, your cooling bills will be bigger.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are approaches you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioner on all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver added insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm at first glance, try conducting an experiment for about a week. Start by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the tips above. You could be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning on all day while your house is unoccupied. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t productive and typically results in a more expensive electricity bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temperature controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a handy remedy, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We suggest following a similar test over a week, moving your temperature higher and steadily decreasing it to pick the best setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior option than operating the air conditioning.

More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are other methods you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping electrical costs low.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running like it should and could help it operate at better efficiency. It may also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows techs to uncover small issues before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and increase your electrical.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air indoors.

Save More Energy This Summer with Dearing's Service & Solutions

If you need to save more energy during hot weather, our Dearing's Service & Solutions professionals can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 812-200-5844 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling products.